The Cabinet of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday 3 March 2021, discussing and approving significant changes to the Bow Bus Gateway and library services, alongside a revised approach to day support in adult social care. Key decisions included the implementation of the Bow Bus Gateway with specific operating hours and exemptions, the expansion of opening hours for several Idea Stores and libraries, and the approval of a new community hub model for day support services.

Bow Bus Gateway and Coburn Road Time Closure

The Cabinet approved Option One for the Roman Road Bus Gateway and Coburn Road time closure, with restrictions in place for six and a half hours on weekdays only. This decision was made after extensive consultation and debate, with a focus on balancing the need to reduce congestion and improve air quality with the mobility needs of residents. Councillor Dan Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Realm, introduced the report, highlighting that the proposed timings and exemptions aimed to strike a balance for residents. While the consultation showed majority support for a 24/7 restriction, the approved option includes targeted exemptions for blue badge holders, carers, and taxi card users. Several speakers, including residents and councillors, expressed concerns about the limited hours, arguing that they would not sufficiently address traffic issues, school run congestion, or the impact on traders. Conversely, Councillor Val Whitehead, a local ward councillor, supported the scheme, emphasizing its focus on deprived neighbourhoods and the positive impact of Professor Janet Eldred's research on low-traffic neighbourhoods in Tower Hamlets. The Cabinet agreed to an amendment to the proposed boundary for exemptions, extending it to the Regent's Canal instead of Grove Road. The scheme will be subject to active monitoring and review during its experimental period.

Idea Stores and Library Service

The Cabinet approved revised proposals for the Idea Stores and library service, including extending opening hours for Cubitt Town, Bethnal Green, and Watney Market Idea Stores to five days a week, incorporating evenings and Saturdays. Mayor John Biggs highlighted that these revised proposals were a direct response to public consultation feedback, demonstrating that the council listens to its residents. Councillor Sabina Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Brexit, confirmed that no Idea Stores were ever planned for closure, addressing misleading information. The revised plan will see four main library sites open seven days a week, with reduced evening and Sunday opening hours from six to four hours. While this revised proposal delivers the required savings, it introduces additional budget pressure, necessitating a review after 18 months. Several speakers, including residents and councillors, passionately advocated for maintaining and expanding library services, emphasizing their vital role as community hubs, educational resources, and safe spaces, particularly for children and vulnerable individuals. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of reduced hours on accessibility for working families and the long-term implications of the 18-month review period. The Cabinet agreed to the addendum recommendations, which include retaining the libraries and implementing the five-day opening schedule, acknowledging the additional cost this entails.

Day Support in Adult Social Care

The Cabinet approved the revised approach to day support in adult social care, which involves closing the Physical Disability Day Opportunities, Riverside, and Pritchard's Road Day Centres and establishing a new community hub model. Councillor Rachel Blake, Deputy Mayor for Adults, Health and Well-Being, explained that the changes were driven by ongoing budget pressures and the vision for a fully inclusive day service. While the majority of respondents did not support the closure of the existing centres, the report outlines how valued aspects of the current services, such as socialisation, access to support staff, and structured activities, will be incorporated into the new model. The community hub will be based at Sonali Gardens, with ongoing activities at Pritchard's Road and other locations. Russia Lane will be established as a dementia hub with extended hours. Several speakers, including service users and carers, expressed concerns about the proposed changes, highlighting the importance of familiar environments, specialised staff, and the potential negative impact on trust and confidence. Councillor Rabina Khan, an opposition councillor, voiced concerns about the consultation process being flawed and misleading, and the potential adverse impact on older people, women, and ethnic minority communities. The Cabinet agreed to the recommendations, with a commitment to supporting service users through the transition and ensuring compassionate and inclusive services.

Other Decisions

The Cabinet also approved the redesignation of the Spitalfields Neighbourhood Planning Forum, ensuring its continued operation and the progression of its neighbourhood plan. Several school-related changes were also agreed, including the amalgamation of Cubittown Infant and Junior Schools, the closure of Cherry Tree School and Schapler School due to declining pupil numbers and budget deficits, and the establishment of a new specialist Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) provision at Ben Johnson School and Bowden House School. The Cabinet also noted the Community Safety Partnership Plan, which will proceed to full council for ratification, and the Budget Monitoring Report for the period ending 31 December 2020, which highlighted a projected overspend in the general fund and the Dedicated Schools Grant, alongside an underspend in the Housing Revenue Account. The Strategic Delivery and Performance Report for Quarter 3 was also noted, providing an overview of the council's progress against its strategic plan objectives, acknowledging the impact of COVID-19 on service delivery and performance targets.